Spicy Buffalo Chili

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound dried black beans (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 10 cup water, divided
• 1 dried ancho chile (about 1/2 ounce)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boned buffalo steak or beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle dark beer
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

1. Sort and wash beans, and place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans; bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain. Return beans to pan, and add 8 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes or until beans are tender. Drain; set aside.
2. Combine 2 cups water and chile in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 20 minutes or until soft. Drain, and discard seeds and membranes. Chop and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and add buffalo steak, browning on all sides. Add onion and garlic, and saute for 3 minutes. Add carrot, bell pepper, and celery, and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in cumin, oregano, paprika, and crushed red pepper, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in ancho chile, tomatoes, and beer, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in beans and tomato paste, and cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Stir in sugar, salt, and black pepper.
4. Note: To mail-order buffalo steak, call D'Artagnan at 800/327-8246.